Athens Drops Opener in Henderson, 45-35
Video: David Richardson hits Julious Brewer for a 16-yard touchdown.
(Sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy)
By Michael V. Hannigan
HENDERSON -- The weather was the star Friday night as the Athens Hornets kicked off their 2024 season with a 45-35 loss to Henderson. After an hour and 10-minute lightning delay, the teams took the field in a steady rain that lasted throughout the first half.
The Hornets struggled with the wet ball early, losing a pair of fumbles and putting the ball on the turf multiple times to kill drives. Athens also dropped an interception that would get caught 10 times out of 10 on a dry night.
But the biggest game changers happened at the beginning and end of the half.
On their first possession, the Hornets had the ball on the Henderson 1 yard line and fumbled going into the end zone. Henderson recovered, ending the drive. On its last possession of the half, Henderson had the ball on the Athens 1-yard line and fumbled going in, but the ball bounced directly to the Lions for a touchdown.
That's a 14-point swing in a 10-point game. As coaches often say, every play matters.
Despite the loss, there were plenty of highlights for the Hornets.
David Richardson threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as the offense scored 35 points on a wet night. Julious Brewer was unstoppable running routes out of the slot.
While the defense struggled to stop Henderson at times, it also forced multiple turnovers with fumble recoveries by A.J. White, Ja'bory Taylor, and Mason Shelton. Big Gideon Willy blocked a field goal in the second quarter.
The Hornets will play their Bruce Field opener next Friday, Sept. 6, against Kaufman, who beat Rusk Friday night, 42-6.
(NOTE: The rain made it impossible to take stats from the sideline. Sorry. -- Michael)
SCORING SUMMARY
HEN - 1Q, 8:20 - Ivan Navarro 22-yard field goal. -- 3-0
HEN - 1Q, :44 - Jesstin Starling 2-yard run. Ivan Navarro kick good. -- 10-0
ATH - 2Q, 6:08 - David Richardson 3-yard pass. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 10-7
HEN - 2Q, 4:42 - Jesstin Starling 1-yard run. Ivan Navarro kick good. -- 17-7
ATH - 2Q, :56 - David Richardson 16-yard pass to Julious Brewer. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 17-14
HEN - 2Q, 0:12 - Macen Jones fumble recovery in end zone. Ivan Navarro kick good -- 24-14
ATH - 3Q, 6:55 - David Richardson 9-yard pass to Dray'von Russell. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 24-21
HEN - 3Q, 4:10 - Vince Howard 5-yard run. Ivan Navarro kick good. -- 31-21
ATH - 3Q, 0:48 - David Richardson 7-yard run. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 31-28
HEN - 4Q, 8:39 - Vince Howard 4-yard run. Ivan Navarro kick good. - 38-28
HEN - 4Q, 6:55 - Jesstin Staring 6-yard run. Ivan Navarro kick good. - 45-28
ATH - 4Q, 3:34 - Ja'bory Taylor 2-yard run. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 45-35